Newcastle Elim Pentecostal Church

Stone walls and tall windows mark this Pentecostal church on the outskirts of Newcastle, where local worshippers gather for services that tend to be more spirited than your typical Anglican affair. The building itself won't win any architectural prizes, but it serves its community well enough.

This is very much a working church rather than a tourist attraction. Unless you're looking to attend a service or have a particular interest in local religious communities, there's honestly not much here for the casual visitor. The congregation is friendly enough if you do pop in during service times, though you should expect contemporary worship music and enthusiastic participation.

Families staying at nearby Woodcroft Caravan Park or Windsor Holiday Park might find the Sunday morning service a decent way to start the day if that's your thing. The building sits fairly close to the town centre, so it's easily walkable from most of the local caravan sites.

Truth is, most holidaymakers will get more from exploring Newcastle's seafront or heading up into the Mournes for proper mountain views. But if you're after a genuine slice of local life rather than standard tourist fare, dropping in for a Sunday service offers exactly that - just be prepared for a proper evangelical experience rather than quiet contemplation.